recompense
UK: /ˈrekəmpens/ | US: /ˈrekəmpens/
n. 1. Compensation or reward given for loss, harm, or effort.
vt. 2. To make amends or repay someone for a service, loss, or injury.
recompense = re<again> + com<intensive> + pense<weigh>
- re: Prefix meaning "again" or "back" (from Latin re-).
- com: Intensive prefix meaning "thoroughly" (from Latin com-).
- pense: Root meaning "weigh" or "pay" (from Latin pensare, frequentative of pendere "to weigh").
Etymology Origin:
The word "recompense" traces back to Latin recompensare, combining re- (indicating repetition) and compensare ("to weigh together" or "balance"). The core idea is "to weigh back" or "repay in kind," reflecting a balance between giving and receiving. Over time, it evolved in Old French (recompenser) before entering English, retaining its dual sense of repayment (monetary or moral) and balancing accounts.
The company offered financial recompense for the delayed project.
She sought recompense for the damages caused by the accident.
His kindness was recompensed with gratitude.
The court ordered the defendant to provide recompense to the victim.
No amount of money can truly recompense emotional suffering.